About Me

I didn’t grow up with a passport in my hand or a suitcase by the door. While other kids went to Disney or the beach, my childhood was spent close to home. Yet, even then, I discovered that visiting new places, whether a brief trip to New York City in high school or a hike at Hawks Mountain, brought me peace. Travel became my calm and escape.

Most importantly, travel helped me begin to discover who I am. Being in the world, I was no longer just a girl from a dysfunctional home; I became an explorer, an observer, and ultimately, the creator of my own life.

Currently, I reside just outside D.C., dealing with the daily grind. My busy job makes travel essential for me; it’s what keeps me grounded, balanced, and complete. From being a kid in Pennsylvania, I’ve become a woman who has explored across Europe and the U.S.—from London’s Tower Bridge to Colorado's mountains.

For me, my travels are more than just simple trips; they are comedic adventures, from a moth stuck in my ear for about an hour to getting detained in the US upon returning from Canada. It’s always an adventure with me….

For years, friends and family kept telling me, "You really should write about this!" At first, I was hesitant. I didn’t see myself as a "writer"—I wasn't aiming to write a memoir or get caught up in formal writing. But then I had an aha moment: I am a storyteller. That’s exactly what this website is about. Whether it’s the good, the bad, or the "moth-in-my-ear-ugly," I’m excited to share the lessons, tips, tricks, and sometimes hilarious realities of solo travel.

I’m so happy to welcome you to Wandering Bel. I’m here to help you find your footing, find your bravery, and find a little more of yourself along the way.

Let’s go on an adventure, shall we?